How do we do this if class are disruptive? Are we trying to keep moving forward and pretend all those basic garssroot problems do not exist
If your class is disruptive, then I think you do what we've always done - clamp down on the control and, more importantly, ask yourself if the activity you have set is working. My (limited) experience with creative project work using technology (with a low ability class) tells me that most students will be more engaged than usual (many enthralled) and that off task behaviour is less of an issue. A few will achieve very little (nothing new in that), but overall, I feel that the benefits outweigh the negatives. There is also the power of motivated students interested in what they are doing creating a better learning environment which helps enthuse the not so keen. The bottom line is learning. If you need to use a highly controlled structured approach to achieve it, then that's fine - a pity, but fine. Then, as you see appropriate, start to include opportunities for the students to be more creative, self-directed, collaborative and so on. Cheers, DDS.
How do we do this and still cover all the content for exams?
How do I get ideas?
http://www.globalschoolnet.org/index.cfm Teachers looking for classes from round the world to join their projects advertise here.How do we do this if class are disruptive? Are we trying to keep moving forward and pretend all those basic garssroot problems do not exist
If your class is disruptive, then I think you do what we've always done - clamp down on the control and, more importantly, ask yourself if the activity you have set is working. My (limited) experience with creative project work using technology (with a low ability class) tells me that most students will be more engaged than usual (many enthralled) and that off task behaviour is less of an issue. A few will achieve very little (nothing new in that), but overall, I feel that the benefits outweigh the negatives. There is also the power of motivated students interested in what they are doing creating a better learning environment which helps enthuse the not so keen.
The bottom line is learning. If you need to use a highly controlled structured approach to achieve it, then that's fine - a pity, but fine. Then, as you see appropriate, start to include opportunities for the students to be more creative, self-directed, collaborative and so on.
Cheers, DDS.